High concentrations of fructose cause brain damage in mice.

Excessive fructose consumption is associated with the incidence of obesity and systemic inflammation, resulting in increased oxidative damage and failure to the function of brain structures. Thus, we hypothesized that fructose consumption will significantly increase inflammation, oxidative damage, and mitochondrial dysfunction in the mouse brain and, consequently, memory damage. The effects of different fructose concentrations on inflammatory and biochemical parameters in the mouse brain were evaluated. Male Swiss mice were randomized into four groups: control, with exclusive water intake, 5%, 10%, and 20% fructose group. The 10% and 20% fructose groups showed an increase in epididymal fat, in addition to higher food consumption. Inflammatory markers were increased in epididymal fat and in some brain structures. In the evaluation of oxidative damage, it was possible to observe significant increases in the hypothalamus, prefrontal cortex, and hippocampus. In the epididymal fat and in the prefrontal cortex, there was a decrease in the activity of the mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes and an increase in the striatum. Furthermore, short memory was impaired in the 10% and 20% groups but not long memory. In conclusion, excess fructose consumption can cause fat accumulation, inflammation, oxidative damage, and mitochondrial dysfunction, which can damage brain structures and consequently memory.

The Infected Lungs and Brain Interface in COVID-19: The Impact on Cognitive Function.

Many coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-recovered patients report signs and symptoms and are experiencing neurological, psychiatric, and cognitive problems. However, the exact prevalence and outcome of cognitive sequelae is unclear. Even though the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 has target brain cells through binding to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor in acute infection, several studies indicate the absence of the virus in the brain of many COVID-19 patients who developed neurological disorders. Thus, the COVID-19 mechanisms for stimulating cognitive dysfunction may include neuroinflammation, which is mediated by a sustained systemic inflammation, a disrupted brain barrier, and severe glial reactiveness, especially within the limbic system. This review explores the interplay of infected lungs and brain in COVID-19 and its impact on the cognitive function.

The effect of modafinil on passive avoidance memory, brain level of BDNF and oxidative stress markers in sepsis survivor rats.

Propose/aim of study: Modafinil (MD) is a psychostimulant drug used off-label and cognitive dysfunction may be a significant emerging treatment target for this drug. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of MD on the neurochemical parameters and memory impairment of rats submitted to sepsis by cecal ligation and perforation (CLP).Material and method: Male Wistar rats (250-350g) were submitted to CLP, or sham as control, and divided into the sham + water, sham + MD (300 mg/kg), CLP + water, and CLP + MD (300 mg/kg) groups. Ten days after the administration of MD and CLP, the rats were submitted to a memory test by passive avoidance apparatus being sacrificed. The nitrite and nitrate (N/N) concentration, myeloperoxidase (MPO) and catalase (CAT) activity, lipid and protein oxidative damage, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels were measured in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus.Results: The passive avoidance test verified an increase in the latency time compared training and test section in the groups sham + water and CLP + MD. Decreased N/N concentration and MPO activity were verified in the prefrontal cortex of rats submitted to CLP and MD treatment, as well as reduced protein and lipid oxidative damage in the hippocampus, which was accompanied by increased CAT activity and BDNF levels.Conclusion: Our data indicate the role of MD in attenuating oxidative stress parameters, the alteration of BDNF, and an improvement in memory impairment in rats ten days after induction of sepsis.

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids have beneficial effects on visceral fat in diet-induced obesity model.

This study evaluated the effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) on oxidative stress and energy metabolism parameters in the visceral fat of a high-fat-diet induced obesity model. Energy intake, body mass, and visceral fat mass were also evaluated. Male Swiss mice received either a control diet (control group) or a high-fat diet (obese group) for 6 weeks. After this period, the groups were divided into control + saline, control + omega-3, obese + saline, and obese + omega-3, and to these groups 400 mg·(kg body mass)-1·day-1 of fish oil (or saline) was administered orally, for 4 weeks. Energy intake and body mass were monitored throughout the experiment. In the 10th week, the animals were euthanized and the visceral fat (mesenteric) was removed. Treatment with omega-3 PUFAs did not affect energy intake or body mass, but it did reduced visceral fat mass. In visceral fat, omega-3 PUFAs reduced oxidative damage and alleviated changes to the antioxidant defense system and the Krebs cycle. The mitochondrial respiratory chain was neither altered by obesity nor by omega-3 PUFAs. In conclusion, omega-3 PUFAs have beneficial effects on the visceral fat of obese mice because they mitigate changes caused by the consumption of a high-fat diet.

Oxidative stress in multiple organs after sepsis in elderly rats.

Aging is a dynamic process, in which morphological and physiological changes occur at all levels, making the body more vulnerable to acute events. Elderly people are at greater risk of sepsis developing than younger people. Sepsis is a set of serious manifestations throughout the body produced by an infection, leading to events that compromise cell homeostasis as oxidative stress and is associated with organ dysfunction. The aim of this study was to evaluate multi-organ oxidative stress in old rats in an animal model of polymicrobial sepsis. Adult (60d) and old (210d) male Wistar rats were submitted to sepsis by cecal ligation and perforation (CLP) and control group (sham) only by laparotomy. The experimental groups were divided into sham 60d, sham 210d, CLP 60d and CLP 210d. Twenty-four hours after CLP, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, oxidative damage to lipids and proteins, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities were evaluated in the lung, kidney, liver, heart, spleen, quadriceps and diaphragm. Aging potentiated the increase in MPO activity in the after sepsis in the lung, liver and spleen. Lipid oxidative damage occurred in all structures analyzed in the CLP groups, while only in the lung, liver and diaphragm the lipid peroxidation was higher in the CLP 210d group compared to 60d. Regarding protein damage, this potentiation happened only in the lung. The SOD activity in the lung, kidney, spleen and diaphragm there was a significant decrease in the CLP 210d group compared to the sham 60d group while in the CAT only in the lung and kidney. The findings in this study indicate that increasing age potentiated oxidative damage in different organs after sepsis by intensifying the presence of neutrophils, which possibly increased the damage to lipids and proteins with reduced activity of SOD and CAT.

Gold nanoparticles potentiates N-acetylcysteine effects on neurochemicals alterations in rats after polymicrobial sepsis.

Herein, we report the effect of gold nanoparticles (AuNP) and n-acetylcysteine (NAC) isolated or in association as important anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds on brain dysfunction in septic rats. Male Wistar rats after sham operation or caecal ligation and perforation (CLP) were treated with subcutaneously injection of AuNP (50 mg/kg) and/or NAC (20 mg/kg) or saline immediately and 12 h after surgery. Twenty-four hours after CLP, hippocampus and prefrontal cortex were obtained and assayed for myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, cytokines, lipid peroxidation, protein carbonyls formation, mitochondrial respiratory chain, and CK activity. AuNP + NAC association decreased MPO activity and pro-inflammatory cytokines production, being more effective than NAC or AuNP isolated treatment. AuNP + NAC association and NAC isolated treatment decreased oxidative stress to lipids in both brain structures, while protein oxidation decreased only in the hippocampus of AuNP + NAC association-treated animals. Complex I activity was increased with AuNP + NAC association and NAC isolated in the hippocampus. Regarding CK activity, AuNP and AuNP + NAC association increased this marker in both brain structures after CLP. Our data provide the first experimental demonstration that AuNP and NAC association was able to reduce sepsis-induced brain dysfunction in rats by decreasing neuroinflammation, oxidative stress parameters, mitochondrial dysfunction and CK activity.

Using Evans Blue Dye to Determine Blood-Brain Barrier Integrity in Rodents.

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is an active and selective barrier that shields the brain from endogenous and exogenous insults. Different stimuli may lead to the disruption of this barrier, including inflammation and trauma. Several methods are used to evaluate BBB disruption. The most widely used method is Evans blue (EB) dye extravasation. EB cannot normally pass through the BBB and thus its presence in brain tissue indicates alterations in permeability. This protocol details the steps of EB extravasation in rodents. Important aspects regarding critical steps and advantages are also provided. © 2019 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids Attenuate Brain Alterations in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity Model.

This study evaluated the effects of omega-3 on inflammation, oxidative stress, and energy metabolism parameters in the brain of mice subjected to high-fat diet-induced obesity model. Body weight and visceral fat weight were evaluated as well. Male Swiss mice were divided into control (purified low-fat diet) and obese (purified high-fat diet). After 6 weeks, the groups were divided into control + saline, control + omega-3, obese + saline, and obese + OMEGA-3. Fish oil (400 mg/kg/day) or saline solution was administrated orally, during 4 weeks. When the experiment completed 10 weeks, the animals were euthanized and the brain and visceral fat were removed. The brain structures (hypothalamus, hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, and striatum) were isolated. Treatment with omega-3 had no effect on body weight, but reduced the visceral fat. Obese animals showed increased inflammation, increased oxidative damage, decreased antioxidant enzymes activity and levels, changes in the Krebs cycle enzyme activities, and inhibition of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes in the brain structures. Omega-3 treatment partially reversed the changes in the inflammatory and in the oxidative damage parameters and attenuated the alterations in the antioxidant defense and in the energy metabolism (Krebs cycle and mitochondrial respiratory chain). Omega-3 had a beneficial effect on the brain of obese animals, as it partially reversed the changes caused by the consumption of a high-fat diet and consequent obesity. Our results support studies that indicate omega-3 may contribute to obesity treatment.

Depressão em dependentes químicos: uma revisão sistemática da literatura / Depression in drug addicts: a systematic literature review

Introdução: A coocorrência entre o abuso de substâncias químicas e o transtorno depressivo é reconhecida cada vez mais como um problema de saúde pública em âmbito mundial. Objetivos: Compreender a problemática da depressão no dependente químico, segundo uma análise da literatura nacional e internacional. Método: Realizou-se uma revisão de artigos científicos publicados nas seguintes plataformas de pesquisa: Portal de Periódicos Eletrônicos de Psicologia (PePSIC), Cochrane Collaboration e Scientific Electronic Library Online (SCIELO). Resultados: Foram encontrados 83 estudos relacionados aos descritores utilizados, sendo que, após a primeira e segunda análise de adequação aos objetivos da revisão, restaram oito. Os resultados evidenciaram que a prevalência de transtornos depressivos nos dependentes químicos teve uma média de 21,27%. O método diagnóstico utilizado com maior frequência foi o Inventário de Depressão de Beck (30%). Conclusão: Constatou-se que a prevalência de transtornos depressivos em dependentes químicos é de aproximadamente três vezes o da população em geral. Verificou-se que as "avaliações rápidas", como os instrumentos MINI e Inventário de Depressão de Beck, foram as mais utilizadas para realização do diagnóstico de depressão na pessoa com dependência química.

Introduction: The co-occurrence between substance abuse and depressive disorder is increasingly recognized as a public health problem worldwide. Objectives: To understand the problem of depression in drug addicts according to an analysis of national and international literature. Method: A review of scientific articles published in the following research platforms was carried out: Psychology Electronic Journal Portal (PePSIC), Cochrane Collaboration, and Scientific Electronic Library Online (SCIELO). Results: Eighty-three studies related to the keywords used were found, and after the first and second analysis of adequacy to the review objectives, eight remained. The results showed that the prevalence of depressive disorders in drug addicts had an average of 21.27%. The most frequently used diagnostic method was the Beck Depression Inventory (30%). Conclusions: It was found that the prevalence of depressive disorders in drug addicts is approximately three times that of the general population. It was found that "quick assessments" such as the MINI and the Beck Depression Inventory were the most used to diagnose depression in people with drug addiction.

Sexually transmitted infections in indigenous communities of the Alto Rio Solimões / Infecções sexualmente transmissíveis em comunidades indígenas do Alto Rio Solimões

Introduction: The prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STI) among indigenous communities is an appalling issue related to Brazilian public health, as there is an increasing underreporting and neglect related to the study and care of these people. Objective: To determine the prevalence of STI in the indigenous population of the Alto Rio Solimões. Methods: STI diagnostic records from the database of the Indigenous Health Care Information System - SIASI, of the indigenous communities of the Alto Rio Solimões, belonging to the Nova Itália base, in Amazonas, were evaluated during the period from January 2010 to August 2020. Sociodemographic data were also evaluated to determine the profile of the diagnosed indigenous population and the geographical and temporal distribution of cases. Results: The overall prevalence rate of STIs was 3.91% (113 notifications of STI in the population of 2890 indigenous people). The largest number of diagnosed cases was in Nova Itália (60.17%). The ethnic group with the highest number of cases was Tikuna (92.03%). Among the STI studied, gonorrhea / chlamydia had the highest prevalence (68.14%), followed by Hepatitis B (13.27%) and Syphilis (10.61%). Most cases were found among women (71.7%), aged 30­34 years. Conclusion: A higher prevalence of STIs was observed in indigenous women, mainly from the Nova Itália town and the Tikuna ethnic group.

Introdução: A prevalência das infecções sexualmente transmissíveis (IST) entre comunidades indígenas é um tema consternador relacionado à saúde pública brasileira, pois há crescente subnotificação e negligência relacionada ao estudo e ao cuidado desses povos. Objetivo: Determinar a prevalência de IST na população indígena do Alto Rio Solimões. Métodos: Foram avaliados os registros diagnósticos de IST da base de dados do Sistema de Informação da Atenção à Saúde Indígena (SIASI), das comunidades indígenas do Alto Rio Solimões, pertencentes ao polo-base de Nova Itália, no Amazonas, durante o período de janeiro de 2010 a agosto de 2020. Também foram avaliados dados sociodemográficos para determinação do perfil da população indígena diagnosticada e a distribuição geográfica e temporal dos casos. Resultados: A taxa de prevalência geral de IST foi de 3,91% (113 notificações de IST na população de 2.890 indígenas). O maior número de casos diagnosticados foi em Nova Itália (60,17%). A etnia com maiores números de casos foi a Tikuna (92,03%). Entre as IST estudadas, gonorreia/clamídia tiveram a maior prevalência (68,14%), seguidas por hepatite B (13,27%) e sífilis (10,61%). A maioria dos casos ocorreu entre mulheres (71,7%) e na faixa de 30­34 anos. Conclusão: Observou-se maior prevalência de IST em mulheres indígenas, principalmente do município de Nova Itália e da etnia Tikuna

Comparison between alpha-galactosidase A activity in blood samples collected on filter paper, leukocytes and plasma.

OBJECTIVES: To compare alpha-galactosidase A activity in dried blood spots on filter paper, plasma, and leukocytes of Fabry disease patients and healthy controls, and to develop a miniaturization approach of the techniques to measure activity using plasma and leukocytes. DESIGN AND METHODS: Blood was collected from healthy controls and Fabry disease patients. Two drops were spotted on filter paper. Plasma and leukocytes were separated from the remaining sample. Enzyme activity was assessed by fluorometry. RESULTS: Significant positive correlation between standard and miniaturized techniques was observed. Alpha-galactosidase activity differed for male and female subjects when analyzed using filter paper and plasma. New reference and cutoff values were established based on the differences in alpha-galactosidase activity between genders. A good correlation was observed across biological materials assessed. CONCLUSIONS: The establishment of specific values for men and women increases reliability of commonly used techniques to screen and diagnose Fabry disease.

Screening of high-risk Gaucher disease patients in Brazil using miniaturized dried blood spots and leukocyte techniques.

This study investigates the miniaturization of the screening technique using dried blood spots on filter paper (DBS) to measure GBA and CT activities, and GBA and ß-galactosidase activities in leukocytes. 274 DBS from individuals with suspected GD were screened for 1.5 years. Of these, we confirmed the diagnosis in 13.5%. The miniaturization of the DBS and leukocyte techniques afforded to reduce costs and sample size appropriate for a reliable diagnosis.